Your compliments are welcome; your admiration is accepted (although I must not raise your hopes); your motivation is your own.

But, denigration of Mistress Ruthie is something, Sir, which will cause me to withdraw the hem of my garment. No woman could read what you have written Sir, and not utter some gentle word of reproach.

I must also disclaim, although I accept you meant it kindly, any talk of popularity contests. I do not seek popularity, merely the chance to share my thoughts with those who may be interested and assisted thereby. Popularity to me is as the chaff of the field. All I crave is the approval of Mistress Ruthie, who lights the way through these uncharted waters and smooths my path through these rough seas.

Why Sir, I am so affected that I have mixed my metaphors. My apologies, although I trust that my meaning is quite unambiguous. Still, you are a good boy at heart and mean well so I remain,

Very sincerely Yours,

VM